Laptop computer display mounting

ABSTRACT

A laptop computer display module ( 28 ) for use in a clamshell type laptop computer includes a telescoping rail assembly ( 100 ) that enables the display module ( 28 ) to be extended upwardly from a keyboard module ( 24 ) of the laptop computer when the display module is rotated to an open position. A computer display panel ( 28 ) is rotatably mounted to a display support member ( 120 ) of the display module adjacent a top margin of the display panel ( 70 ) so that the display panel ( 70 ) can be manually swung away from the display support member ( 120 ) and toward a user of the laptop computer ( 20 ). The invention enables the display panel ( 70 ) to be positioned at a comfortable viewing angle without blocking access to the keyboard module ( 24 ) for typing and is particularly useful in depth-constrained workspaces such as airplane passenger seats, where the display support member ( 120 ) must be positioned at an acute angle relative to the keyboard module ( 24 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to laptop computer display screens and, inparticular, to a laptop computer having an improved clamshell typehousing that facilitates adjustment of the display screen to acomfortable viewing angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional clamshell type laptop computers have an upperdisplay unit rotatably connected to a main module that holds a processorunit, a keyboard, a pointing device, data storage devices, and otherperipherals. A hinge positioned at a bottom margin of the display unitconnects the display unit to the main module near a rear margin of themain module. Rotation of the display unit about the hinge determines theviewing angle of the display. In normal operation, the display unit istypically rotated to an obtuse angle relative to the keyboard. At acomfortable viewing angle, in which the display faces slightly upward,the display unit extends rearward, away from the main module and thehinge. Adjustment of the display unit to the comfortable viewing anglein shallow workspaces, such as passenger seats of commercial airlines,requires the keyboard to be positioned uncomfortably close to the user.Furthermore, when an airline passenger seat immediately in front of theuser is reclined, it can be very difficult for the user to view thedisplay. Use in constrained spaces is especially problematic for laptopcomputer displays utilizing active matrix LCD technology, which isoptically directional and has a limited useful viewing angle.

[0003] Several proposed laptop computer designs include secondary hingesthat allow the display to be rotated to a comfortable viewing angle. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,243 of Karidis describes a tri-fold laptopcomputer including a top-hinged display screen that rotates outwardlyfrom an outer display case portion of the housing and into apresentation position. In the presentation position, however, thedisplay screen blocks access to the keyboard of the laptop computer.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,786 of Meyer describes a laptop computerhaving a display adjustment mechanism that is enclosed in a compartmentbehind a display screen of the laptop computer when the display screenis in a lowered position. The adjustment mechanism is hinged at itsbottom end to a rear margin of a keyboard module. Fully extending thedisplay screen above the adjustment mechanism reveals a secondary hingethat allows the display panel to pivot rearward from the secondary hingeand into a more comfortable viewing position. Because the adjustmentmechanism is enclosed within the compartment behind the display screen,when lowered, any articulation of the secondary hinge requires thedisplay screen to be fully extended above the adjustment mechanism. Thisfully extended position is not always desirable, for example, when usingthe laptop computer on a tall table. Fully extending the display screenalso raises the center of gravity of the laptop computer, thereby makingit more prone to tipping.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,767 of Ku et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,478 ofKumar et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,214 of Ma all describe laptopcomputers with displays that are movable to an inclined position foruse. All include a laptop computer keyboard that extends up to a frontmargin of the computer so that no part of the housing is available foruse as a wrist rest. The lower section of each of these computersextends several inches rearward of the keyboard to accommodate thedisplay. In an airline passenger seat, this configuration requires thekeyboard to be placed several inches closer to the user than would bepossible with a conventional laptop computer keyboard. Furthermore,placement of the keyboard at the front margin of the computer does notaccommodate a pointing device, such as a touch pad or trackball, infront of the keyboard, as is done in many conventional laptop computers.

[0006] Thus, a need exists for an improved display mounting for a laptopcomputer that facilitates orientation of the display screen at acomfortable viewing angle, even when used in depth-constrained spacessuch as airline passenger seats, and without requiring modification tothe lower portion of the laptop computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a computer displaymodule is pivotally connected to a keyboard module of a laptop computeradjacent a rear margin of the keyboard module. The display moduleincludes a rail assembly rotatably connected to the keyboard module atthe rear margin and extending outwardly from the rear margin. A displaysupport member of the display module is mounted to the rail assembly forsliding movement along the rail assembly upwardly from the keyboardmodule when the display module is rotated to an open position. Anadjustable display panel of the display module is rotatably mounted to atop portion of the display support member at an articulating joint. Thearticulating joint is positioned adjacent a top margin of the displaypanel so that the display panel can be manually swung away from thedisplay support member and toward a user of the laptop computer. Thedisplay support member is adjustable along the rail assembly to a heightthat provides sufficient clearance over the keyboard to allow thedisplay panel to rotate about the articulating joint to a comfortableviewing angle without blocking access to the keyboard.

[0008] Laptop computers in accordance with the present invention areparticularly useful in depth-constrained spaces such as the tray tablesof airline passenger seats, where the display panel can be rotated tothe comfortable viewing angle even when the rail assembly and displaysupport member must be positioned at an acute angle relative to thekeyboard module. The present invention is also useful in any otherenvironment where the display support member must be positioned at anangle that is more acute than the comfortable viewing angle or where itis desirable to elevate the display to a vertical viewing height abovethe keyboard module.

[0009] In one embodiment, the invention is implemented in a replacementdisplay module for retrofitting a conventional laptop computer.

[0010] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will beapparent from the following detailed description of preferredembodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer including akeyboard module and a display module in accordance with a firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laptop computer of FIG. 1showing a display support member of the display module rotated to adepth-reduction angle relative to the keyboard module and elevated alonga rail assembly to accommodate rotation of a computer display panel ofthe display module to a comfortable viewing angle;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a left side elevation of the laptop computer of FIG. 2showing rotation of the rail assembly and the display support memberabout a hinge of the display module and showing the computer displaypanel rotated about an articulating joint to alternate viewingpositions;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laptop computer including adisplay module in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a partial front elevation of the laptop computer of FIG.1 including a cutaway area showing internal detail of the rail assemblyand the display support member;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 1taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation of the laptop computer of FIG.1 including a cutaway area exposing sectional detail of a firstalternative rail assembly and display support member;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 1taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a left side of a secondalternative rail assembly as if taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a left side elevation of a laptop computer including adisplay module in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 10taken along line 11-1;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the display module of FIG. 10taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing detail of a rack-and-piniontype anti-skew mechanism;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configurationof the display module and rack-and-pinion anti-skew mechanism of FIG.12;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a partial frontal sectional view of an upper leftcorner of the display module of FIG. 1. showing an alternative pulleytype anti-skew mechanism;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the pulley type anti-skewmechanism of FIG. 14 with the display support member and display panelomitted for clarity; and

[0026]FIG. 16 is a frontal elevation of the laptop computer of FIG. 1including a cutaway area showing detail of an alternative push rod typeanti-skew mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laptop computer 20 including akeyboard module 24 pivotably connected to a display module 28 inaccordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.With reference to FIG. 1, keyboard module 24 is generally tabular inshape and is adapted for placement on a horizontal support surface, suchas a user's lap or a table (not shown). Keyboard module 24 includes anupper face 34 bounded by front, rear, left, and right margins 36, 38,40, and 42, respectively. A keypad 46 is positioned on upper face 34 ofkeyboard module 24 and adjacent rear margin 38. Keypad 46 may be aQWERTY keyboard of the type used in conventional laptop and notebookcomputers, or any other kind of keypad, pen tablet, or other manualcomputer input device. A pointing device 50, such as a touchpad mouse ortrackball, for example, is also provided on upper face 34 of keyboardmodule 24, adjacent keypad 46 and proximal of front margin 36. Pointingdevice 50 is located medially of left and right margins 40, 42, leavingopen a pair of wrist rest areas 54 and 56 on upper face 34 of keyboardmodule 24.

[0028] Display module 28 has a generally tabular shape and is pivotallyattached to keyboard module 24 via one or more hinges 60 positionedalong rear margin 38 of keyboard module 24 for rotation in thedirections indicated by arrows 62. Display module 28 is rotatablebetween a closed position (not shown) and an open position, as shown inFIG. 1. In the closed position, display module 28 is folded in parallelproximity to keyboard module 24 so that an interior face 64 of displaymodule 28 is positioned over upper face 34 of keyboard module 24 toprotect keypad 46 and pointing device 50. In the open position, displaymodule 28 is rotated to an upright or inclined orientation such thatinterior face 64 is visible to a user of laptop computer 20. In FIG. 1,display module 28 is shown opened to an angle of approximately 120°relative to keyboard module 24 so that a display panel 70 of displaymodule 28 is at a comfortable viewing angle. The comfortable viewingangle will vary among users depending on the height of the user, thevertical position of laptop computer 20 and display module 28, theuser's workspace, the user's preferences, and other individual andenvironmental factors, but will generally fall in the range ofapproximately 90° to approximately 150° relative to keyboard module 24.

[0029] A latching mechanism 74 of laptop computer 20 includes adisplay-side latching device such as left and right latch hooks 78 and80, which may be formed as part of a unitary structure with one of thecomponents of display module 28. Corresponding left and right latchslots 82 and 84 are provided in upper face 34 of keyboard module 24 forreceiving latch hooks 78 and 80. A spring-biased release mechanism 86 isprovided adjacent left and right latch slots 82, 84 for manuallyreleasing latching mechanism 74 to allow display module 28 to be rotatedto the open position. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate thatlatching mechanism 74 is not limited to the hook-and-slot mechanismdescribed herein, and that many other latching devices could be used toreleasably secure display module 28 against keyboard module 24 in theclosed position.

[0030]FIG. 2 is perspective view of laptop computer 20 showing detail ofdisplay module 28 arranged for use in a depth-constrained workspace (notshown). With reference to FIG. 2, display module 28 includes a railassembly 100 pivotably connected to keyboard module 24 at rear margin 38via hinges 60. In keeping with the present invention, a multi-axis pivotmechanism (not shown) could be used in place of hinges 60 to allowdisplay module 28 and rail assembly 100 to be pivoted left and rightrelative to keyboard module 24, in addition to rotation between the openand closed positions.

[0031] Rail assembly 100 includes first and second elongate rails 104and 106 (FIGS. 15 and 16), which are spaced apart along rear margin 38and positioned proximal of respective left and right ends 108 and 109(FIG. 1) of rear margin 38, adjacent left and right margins 40, 42 ofkeyboard module 24. A web 110 extends between a left side 112 and aright side 114 (FIG. 1) of rail assembly 100 to stiffen and providestructural support to rail assembly 100.

[0032] Display module 28 also includes a display support member 120mounted to rail assembly 100 for sliding movement along rail assembly100 upwardly from keyboard module 24 in the direction shown by arrows124 when display module 28 is pivoted to the open position. Displaysupport member 120 preferably includes a display support cover panel 128spanning the width of display support member 120 to provide rigidity andstructural stability to display support member 120 and to protectdelicate electronic components of display panel 70. Display supportmember 120 also preferably comprises first and second columns 132 and134, which are spaced apart and include respective first and secondslots 138 and 140 (FIGS. 5 and 16). First and second slots 138, 140 areshaped and sized to slidably receive first and second rails 104, 106.Rails 104, 106 and columns 132, 134 may be of any of a variety of shapesor configurations adapted for telescoping movement, some of which aredescribed below. In alternative embodiments, e.g., FIGS. 7-8 and 10-12,the first and second slots are formed in the rail assembly rather thanthe display support member.

[0033] A crossbar 144 extends between distal ends 146 of first andsecond columns 132, 134 to provide additional rigidity and structuralsupport to display support member 120. Crossbar 144 supports anarticulating joint 160, which is positioned adjacent a top margin 164 ofdisplay panel 70 to pivotably interconnect a top portion 168 of displaypanel 70 to crossbar 144. Articulating joint 160 includes left and rightfriction hinges 178 and 180 that enable a bottom portion 170 of displaypanel 70 to be manually swung away from display support member 120 inthe direction shown by arrows 182, to thereby adjust display panel 70 toa comfortable viewing angle. In alternative embodiments (not shown)articulating joint 160 includes a laterally adjustable joint such as aball-and-socket joint or vertical hinge that allows display panel 70 tobe tilted to the left or right in addition to rotation about a generallyhorizontal axis 184 defined by friction hinges 178, 180.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 3, a comfortable viewing angle is achievedby rotation of display module 28 about hinge 60 and rotation of displaypanel 70 about articulating joint 160 relative to keyboard module 24 sothat display panel 70 is inclined greater than 90° and less than 150°relative to keyboard module 24, as indicated by θ. The present inventionaccommodates use of laptop computer 20 in a shallow workspace (notshown) by facilitating use of display module 28 when rail assembly 100and display support member 120 are rotated to a depth-reduction angle αof less than 120° relative to keyboard module 24. Display support member120 is extended generally vertically along rail assembly 100 to avertical position sufficient to allow display panel 70 to rotate aboutarticulating joint 160 without striking or blocking keypad 46. Extensionof display support member 120 along rail assembly 100 in this mannerleaves a gap 186 between bottom portion 170 of display panel 70 andkeyboard module 24 that is sufficient to allow a user to type on keypad46 by reaching under display panel 70. Generally, depth reduction angleα must be greater than 30° to form gap 186 and to accommodate typing onkeypad 46. In a preferred embodiment, display support member 120 ismovable up to six inches along rail assembly 100, to a more ergonomicviewing height.

[0035] Once adjusted upwardly along rail assembly 100, display supportmember 120 can be held in place by a friction mechanism (not shown) suchas a friction fit between rail assembly 100 and display support member120. A detent mechanism (not shown) could also be used to hold displaysupport member 120 at a user-selected height along rail assembly 100.Friction mechanisms and detent mechanisms are of conventional design andare not illustrated herein because they are easily implemented by oneskilled in the art.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of laptop computer 20 including asecond preferred embodiment display module 28′ in accordance with thepresent invention. With reference to FIG. 4, articulating joint 160includes left and right pivot points 196 and 198 joining display panel70 to the first and second columns 132, 134 of display support member120 a for rotation of display panel 70 about axis 184 in the directionshown by arrows 182. Unlike display support member 120 of FIG. 2,display support member 120 a of the second preferred embodiment does notinclude a display support cover panel 128 (FIG. 4), but is open betweenfirst and second columns 132, 134. A notch 202 formed along an outersurface 204 of bottom portion 170 of display panel 70 seats againststructural support web 110 to thereby form a flush cover surface whendisplay module 28′ is in the closed position.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a partial front elevation of laptop computer 20 of FIG.1 including a cutaway area 210 showing internal detail of rail assembly100 and display support member 120. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view ofdisplay module 28 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, first elongate rail 104 of rail assembly 100 is slidablyreceived in first slot 138 of first column 132.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a partial front elevation of laptop computer 20 of FIG.1 including cutaway area 212 exposing sectional detail of a firstalternative rail assembly 100′ and display support member 120′. FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of display module 28 taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 7. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, first elongate rail 104′ ofrail assembly 100′ includes a C-channel section 220 sized and shaped toslidably receive a T-shaped tab 224 of display support member 120′.

[0039]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative railassembly 100″ corresponding to a sectional view taken along line 8-8 ofFIG. 7. With reference to FIG. 9, rail assembly 100″ includes a T-shapedfirst elongate rail 104″ slidably seated within a C-channel slot 226 ofdisplay support member 120″. FIGS. 5-9 are presented for the purpose ofillustrating several simple alternatives for rail assembly 100 anddisplay support member 120, and should not be construed as limiting thescope of the invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that railassembly 100 and display support member 120 could easily be made indifferent telescoping forms such as, for example, a single rail andsupport column spanning the entire width of display module 28.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a left side elevation of laptop computer 20 including adisplay module 228 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of displaymodule 228 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is across-sectional view of display module 228 taken along line 12-12 ofFIG. 11. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, display module 228 includes ananti-skew mechanism 240 that mechanically couples movement of displaysupport member 120 along first rail 104 to movement of display supportmember 120 along second rail 106. Anti-skew mechanism 240 is arack-and-pinion type mechanism including left and right racks 246 and248, spaced apart along display support member 120 and extending fromdisplay support member 120 in a generally parallel relationship. Leftand right racks 246, 248 are received in respective left and right guideslots 254 and 256 of rail assembly 100 and engage with respective leftand right pinion gears 262 and 264. An axle 268 rigidly connects leftpinion gear 262 to right pinion gear 264 so that pinion gears 262, 264rotate in unison. Display panel 70 is rotatably mounted to displaysupport member 120 via articulating joint 160 in the manner describedabove with reference to FIG. 2.

[0041]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configurationof display module 228 and rack-and-pinion anti-skew mechanism 240 ofFIGS. 10-12 (indicated in FIG. 13 as 228′ and 240′, respectively). Withreference to FIG. 13, a left rack 246′ is rigidly attached to a baseportion 272 of rail assembly 100 and extends upwardly from base portion272. Left rack 246′ is received in a left guide slot 254′ formed indisplay support member 120. A pinion gear 262′ of anti-skew mechanism240′ is rotatably mounted within display support member 120 on an axle268′ for operative engagement with left rack 246′. A right pinion gearengages a right rack (not shown) and is rigidly connected to axle 268′for rotation in unison with left pinion gear 262′, to thereby preventskew of display module 228′.

[0042] Many other anti-skew mechanisms can be employed in place ofrack-and-pinion anti-skew mechanisms 240 and 240′. Examples of twoadditional anti-skew mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 14-16. FIG. 14 is apartial frontal sectional view of an upper left corner of display module28 of FIG. 1, showing detail of a pulley type anti-skew mechanism 280.FIG. 15 is a perspective view of pulley type anti-skew mechanism 280 ofFIG. 14, with display support member 120 and display panel 70 omittedfor clarity. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, anti-skew mechanism 280includes left and right major idler pulleys 284 and 286 positionedwithin a cavity 292 of display support member 120. Major idler pulleys284, 286 are rotatably mounted to display support member 120 forrotation about respective left and right major shafts 294 and 296. Leftand right major idler pulleys 284 and 286 remain distal of first andsecond elongate rails 104, 106 throughout the range of movement ofdisplay support member 120 along rail assembly 100. A pair of left andright minor idler pulleys 298 and 302 are mounted within respective leftand right guide slots 306 (only left guide slot is shown) of displaysupport member 120 for rotation about respective left and right minorshafts 308 and 310, which are mounted parallel to major shafts 294, 296of major idler pulleys 284, 286. Left and right minor idler pulleys 298and 302 are attached to display support member 120 at a location medialof the keyboard module 24 (FIG. 1) and the distal ends 322, 324 of firstand second elongate rails 104, 106 for cooperative pulley action withleft and right major idler pulleys 284, 286. A pair of cables 312 and314 extend between distal ends 322 and 324 of respective first andsecond rails 104, 106 and are wound about pulleys 284, 286, 298, and 302in the manner shown in FIG. 15 to prevent skew of display support member120 as it is moved along rail assembly 100.

[0043]FIG. 16 is a frontal elevation of laptop computer 20 of FIG. 1including a cutaway area showing detail of a push-rod type anti-skewmechanism 340 in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention. With reference to FIG. 16, anti-skew mechanism340 includes a flexible push rod cable 344 having a first end 346 thatis securely attached to first column 132 of display support member 120within first slot 138. Push rod cable 344 terminates in a second end348, which is securely attached to second column 134 of display supportmember 120 near a proximal end of second slot 140 located medially ofright side 114 of rail assembly 100. Push rod cable 344 extends througha push rod sleeve 356, which is rigidly attached at its first and secondends 362 and 364 to respective first and second rails 104 and 106. Pushrod type anti-skew mechanism 340 is arranged and mounted so that pushrod cable 344 extends from first end 362 of push rod sleeve 356 by thesame amount that it slides into second end 364 of push rod sleeve 356when display module 28 is moved along rail assembly 100, to therebyprevent skew of display module 28.

[0044] In still another embodiment of the invention, a motorized heightadjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided for driving display supportmember 120 along rail assembly 100. For example, with reference to FIGS.10-13, the motorized height adjustment mechanism could include a smallelectric motor directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to left andright pinion gears 262, 264 (or axle 268 of rack-and-pinion anti-skewmechanism 240. The electric motor would rotate pinion gears 262, 264when activated by the user, thereby driving display support member 120along rail assembly 100 to a selected height. A similar motorized heightadjustment mechanism could also be easily implemented with the pulleytype anti-skew mechanism of FIGS. 14 and 15. In this configuration,geared pulleys and toothed belts could be used in place of major idlerpulleys 284, 286 and cables 312, 314 to transmit drive force from theelectric motor to the display support member 120.

[0045] Although not shown in the figures, a display cable is typicallyemployed to operably connect display panel 70 to keyboard module 24 forcommunication of display data or signals to display panel 70. Variouspathways and devices are known for routing the display cable and couldeasily be used with the present invention. Other methods of transmittingdisplay information between keyboard module 24 and display panel 70 thatdo not involve a display cable could also be utilized. For example,wireless transmitters and receivers such as infrared or radio frequencytransceivers could be used in conjunction with the present invention.

[0046] In accordance with the present invention, the display module ofFIGS. 1-16 is designed for use with a laptop computer or notebookcomputer. However, the present invention can also be used with any otherkind of computing device or visual display device and is especiallyuseful with such devices including a lower input module and a hingedupper display module having a flat display panel. While the invention isdescribed above in the context of a laptop computer, it could also beembodied in a replacement display module manufactured separately fromthe keyboard module for after-market retrofitting of a conventionallaptop or notebook computer.

[0047] It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that manychanges may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments ofthis invention without departing from the underlying principles thereof.The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined onlyby the following claims.

1. A laptop computer, comprising: a keyboard module having a generallytabular shape bounded by front and rear margins, the keyboard moduleadapted for placement on a horizontal support surface; and a displaymodule connected to the keyboard module adjacent the rear margin of thekeyboard module for rotation of the display module between a closedposition and an open position, the display module including: (a) a railassembly rotatably mounted to the keyboard module adjacent the rearmargin of the keyboard module, (b) a display support member mounted tothe rail assembly and slidable along the rail assembly when the displaymodule is in the open position, and (c) a display panel having agenerally tabular shape bordered by a top margin and a bottom margin,the display panel rotatably mounted to the display support member forrotation of the display panel so that the bottom margin of display panelcan be manually swung away from the display support member toward a userof the laptop computer when the display module is in the open position.2. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which the display support member ismovable along the rail assembly to a height above the keyboard modulethat is sufficient to allow the display panel to rotate to a comfortableviewing angle without blocking a keypad of the keyboard module and tothereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad and viewing of thedisplay panel when the laptop computer is used in a depth-constrainedworkspace.
 3. The laptop computer of claim 2 in which the display panelis manually rotatable to the comfortable viewing angle without blockingthe keypad when the display support member is rotated to adepth-reduction angle of greater than 30 degrees and less than 120degrees relative to the keyboard module.
 4. The laptop computer of claim3 in which the comfortable viewing angle is greater than 90 degrees andless than 150 degrees relative to the keyboard module.
 5. The laptopcomputer of claim 1, further comprising an articulating joint connectingthe display panel to the display support member, and in which thearticulating joint includes a torque joint that adjustably maintains anangular position of the display panel relative to the display supportmember.
 6. The laptop computer of claim 1 in which: the rail assemblyincludes first and second parallel rails spaced apart along the rearmargin of the keyboard module; and the display support member includes afirst slot and a second slot spaced apart from the first slot, the firstand second slots sized and positioned to slidably receive the first andsecond rails, respectively.
 7. The laptop computer of claim 6, furthercomprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples movement ofthe display support member along the first rail to movement of thedisplay support member along the second rail, thereby preventing bindingof the display support member when it is moved along the rail assembly.8. The laptop computer of claim 7 in which the anti-skew mechanismincludes a push rod extending through an elongate push rod sleeve, andone of the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the displaysupport member and the other of the push rod and the push rod sleeve isattached to the respective first and second rails.
 9. The laptopcomputer of claim 7 in which the anti-skew mechanism includes arack-and-pinion mechanism.
 10. The laptop computer of claim 7 in whichthe anti-skew mechanism includes a set of pulleys mounted to the displaysupport member and a cable having first and second ends, the first andsecond ends of the cable being attached to the respective first andsecond rails, and the cable being tensioned over the pulleys.
 11. Thelaptop computer of claim 1 in which the display support member and thedisplay panel are movable up to 6 inches along the rail assembly to anergonomic viewing height above the keyboard module.
 12. The laptopcomputer of claim 1 in which the display module includes a frictionmechanism for adjustably holding the display support member at aselected position along the rail assembly.
 13. The laptop computer ofclaim 1 in which the display module includes a detent mechanism foradjustably holding the display support member at a selected positionalong the rail assembly.
 14. The laptop computer of claim 1, furthercomprising a motorized height adjustment mechanism for driving thedisplay support member along the rail assembly.
 15. The laptop computerof claim 1, further comprising a latching device for releasably latchingthe display module to the keyboard module and preventing movement of thedisplay support member along the rail assembly when the display moduleis in the closed position.
 16. In a laptop computer of the typeincluding a keyboard module having a generally tabular shape that isadapted for placement on a horizontal support surface and a displaymodule hinged to the keyboard module at a rear margin of the keyboardmodule for rotation of the display module between an open position and aclosed position, the display module including a computer display paneloperably connected to the keyboard module, and the computer displaypanel having a top margin, a top portion, and a bottom portion, animproved computer display mounting comprising: a rail assembly rotatablymounted to the keyboard module so that the rail assembly extendsoutwardly from the rear margin of the keyboard module; a display supportmember attached to the rail assembly so that the display support memberis slidable outwardly from the keyboard module along the rail assemblywhen the display module is rotated to an open position; and anarticulating joint positioned adjacent the top margin of the computerdisplay panel and rotatably interconnecting the top portion of thecomputer display panel to the display support member so that the bottomportion of the computer display panel can be manually swung away fromthe display support member and toward a user of the laptop computer whenthe display module is in the open position, the articulating joint beingslidable along the rail assembly along with the display support member.17. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which thedisplay support member is movable along the rail assembly to a heightabove the keyboard module that is sufficient to allow the computerdisplay panel to rotate about the articulating joint to a comfortableviewing angle without blocking a keypad of the keyboard module and tothereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad and viewing of thecomputer display panel when the laptop computer is used in adepth-constrained workspace.
 18. The improved computer display mountingof claim 17 in which the computer display panel is manually rotatable tothe comfortable viewing angle without blocking the keypad when thedisplay support member is rotated to a depth-reduction angle of greaterthan 30 degrees and less than 120 degrees relative to the keyboardmodule.
 19. The improved computer display mounting of claim 18 in whichthe comfortable viewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than150 degrees relative to the keyboard module.
 20. The improved computerdisplay mounting of claim 16 in which: the keyboard module is borderedby a rear margin that terminates in left and right ends; the railassembly includes first and second elongate rails spaced apart along therear margin and positioned proximal of the respective left and rightends of the rear margin; and the display support member includes a firstslot and a second slot spaced apart from the first slot, the first andsecond slots sized to slidably receive the first and second rails,respectively.
 21. The improved computer display mounting of claim 20,further comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couplesmovement of the display support member along the first rail to movementof the display support member along the second rail, thereby preventingbinding of the display support member when it is moved along the railassembly.
 22. The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 inwhich the anti-skew mechanism includes a push rod extending through anelongate push rod sleeve, and one of the push rod and the push rodsleeve is attached to the display support member and the other of thepush rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the respective first andsecond rails.
 23. The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 inwhich the anti-skew mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism. 24.The improved computer display mounting of claim 21 in which theanti-skew mechanism includes a set of pulleys mounted to the displaysupport member and a cable having first and second ends, the first andsecond ends of the cable being attached to the respective first andsecond rails, and the cable being tensioned over the pulleys.
 25. Theimproved computer display mounting of claim 16 in which the displaysupport member and the computer display panel are movable up to 6 inchesalong the rail assembly to an ergonomic viewing height above thekeyboard module.
 26. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16in which the display module includes a friction mechanism for adjustablyholding the display support member at a selected position along the railassembly.
 27. The improved computer display mounting of claim 16,further comprising a latching device for releasably latching the displaymodule to the keyboard module and preventing movement of the displaysupport member along the rail assembly when the display module is in theclosed position.
 28. A laptop computer display module, comprising: arail assembly including a hinge end and a distal end opposite the hingeend, the hinge end adapted to be rotatably mounted to a keyboard moduleof a laptop computer so that the distal end of the rail assembly extendsoutwardly from a rear margin of the keyboard module and so that thedisplay module can be rotated about the hinge end between a closedposition in which the display module is folded against a keypad of thekeyboard module and an open position in which the display module extendsfrom the keyboard module; a display support member slidably attached tothe rail assembly so that the display support member is movable alongthe rail assembly away from the hinge end of the rail assembly when thedisplay module is rotated to an open position; a computer display panelhaving top and bottom margins; and an articulating joint connecting thecomputer display panel to the display support member adjacent the topmargin of the computer display panel so that the bottom margin of thecomputer display panel can be manually swung away from the displaysupport member and toward a user of the laptop computer when the displaymodule is mounted to a keyboard module and rotated to the open position.29. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the displaysupport member is movable along the rail assembly to a height above thekeyboard module that is sufficient to allow the computer display panelto rotate about the articulating joint to a comfortable viewing anglewithout blocking a keypad of the keyboard module and to therebyfacilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad and viewing of the computerdisplay panel when the laptop computer is used in a depth-constrainedworkspace.
 30. The laptop computer display module of claim 29 in whichthe computer display panel is manually rotatable to the comfortableviewing angle without blocking the keypad when the display supportmember is rotated to a depth-reduction angle of greater than 30 degreesand less than 120 degrees relative to the keyboard module.
 31. Thelaptop computer display module of claim 28 in which the comfortableviewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degreesrelative to the keyboard module.
 32. The laptop computer display moduleof claim 28 in which: the keyboard module is bordered by a rear marginthat terminates in left and right ends; the rail assembly includes firstand second elongate rails spaced apart and rotatably mounted to thekeyboard module proximal of the respective left and right ends of therear margin; and the display support member includes a first slot and asecond slot spaced apart from the first slot, the first and second slotssized to slidably receive the first and second rails, respectively. 33.The laptop computer display module of claim 32, further comprising ananti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples movement of the displaysupport member along the first rail to movement of the display supportmember along the second rail, to thereby prevent binding of the displaysupport member when it is moved along the rail assembly.
 34. The laptopcomputer display module of claim 33 in which the anti-skew mechanismincludes a push rod extending through an elongate push rod sleeve, andone of the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to the displaysupport member and the other of the push rod and the push rod sleeve isattached to the respective first and second rails.
 35. The laptopcomputer display module of claim 33 in which the anti-skew mechanismincludes a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
 36. The laptop computer displaymodule of claim 33 in which the anti-skew mechanism includes a set ofpulleys mounted to the display support member and a cable having firstand second ends, the first and second ends of the cable being attachedto the respective first and second rails, and the cable being tensionedover the pulleys.
 37. The laptop computer display module of claim 28 inwhich the display support member and the computer display panel aremovable up to 6 inches along the rail assembly.
 38. The laptop computerdisplay module of claim 28 in which the display module includes afriction mechanism for adjustably holding the display support member ata selected position along the rail assembly.
 39. The laptop computerdisplay module of claim 28 in which the display module includes a detentmechanism for adjustably holding the display support member at aselected position along the rail assembly.
 40. The laptop computerdisplay module of claim 28, further comprising a motorized heightadjustment mechanism for driving the display support member along therail assembly.
 41. The laptop computer display module of claim 28,further comprising a latching device for releasably latching the displaymodule to the keyboard module and preventing movement of the displaysupport member along the rail assembly when the display module is in theclosed position.
 42. In a laptop computer of the type including akeyboard module having a keypad extending along a rear margin of thekeyboard module and a display module hinged to the keyboard module atthe rear margin of the keyboard module for rotation of the displaymodule between an open position and a closed position, the displaymodule including a computer display panel operably connected to thekeyboard module, and the computer display panel including a top edge anda bottom edge, an improved computer display mounting comprising: a railassembly rotatably mounted to the keyboard module, the rail assemblyincluding first and second parallel rails spaced apart along the rearmargin and positioned proximal of the respective left and right ends ofthe rear margin; a display support member including a first slot and asecond slot spaced apart from the first slot, the first and second slotssized and positioned to slidably receive the first and second rails,respectively so that the display support member is slidable outwardlyfrom the keyboard module along the rail assembly when the display moduleis rotated to an open position; a friction mechanism for adjustablyholding the display support member at a selected position along the railassembly; and an articulating joint positioned along the top margin ofthe computer display panel and rotatably interconnecting the top edge ofthe computer display panel to the display support member so that thebottom edge of the computer display panel can be manually swung awayfrom the display support member and toward a user of the laptop computerwhen the display module is in the open position, the articulating jointand the display support member together being slidable along the railassembly to a height above the keyboard module that is sufficient toallow the computer display panel to rotate about the articulating jointto a comfortable viewing angle without blocking the keypad and tothereby facilitate simultaneous typing on the keypad and viewing of thecomputer display panel when the laptop computer is used in adepth-constrained workspace.
 43. The improved computer display mountingof claim 42, further comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanicallycouples movement of the display support member along the first rail tomovement of the display support member along the second rail, therebypreventing binding of the display support member when it is moved alongthe rail assembly.
 44. The improved computer display mounting of claim42 in which: the display support member includes a crossbar extendingalong a distal part of the display support member between the first andsecond slots and generally parallel to the keyboard module; and thearticulating joint is connected to the crossbar.
 45. The improvedcomputer display mounting of claim 42 in which the display supportmember and the computer display panel are movable up to 6 inches alongthe rail assembly to an ergonomic viewing height above the keyboardmodule.
 46. A laptop computer, comprising: a base unit having agenerally tabular shape adapted for placement on a support surface, thebase unit including a manual input device; and a display modulerotatably connected to the base unit, the display module being openableand closeable by rotation of the display module relative to the baseunit, the display module including: (a) a rail assembly, (b) a displaysupport member mounted to the rail assembly for movement outwardly fromthe base unit, and (c) a display panel bordered by a top margin and abottom margin, the display panel supported on the display support memberfor rotation of the display panel so- that the bottom margin of displaypanel can be manually swung away from the display support member towarda user of the laptop computer after opening of the display module. 47.The laptop computer of claim 46 in which the display support member ismovable along the rail assembly to a height above the base unit that issufficient to allow the display panel to rotate to a comfortable viewingangle without blocking the manual input device of the base unit and tothereby allow a user to comfortably view the display panel whilemanually inputting data via the manual input device when using thelaptop computer in a depth-constrained workspace.
 48. The laptopcomputer of claim 47 in which the display panel is manually rotatable tothe comfortable viewing angle without blocking the manual input devicewhen the display support member is rotated to a depth-reduction angle ofgreater than 30 degrees and less than 120 degrees relative to the baseunit.
 49. The laptop computer of claim 48 in which the comfortableviewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degreesrelative to the base unit.
 50. The laptop computer of claim 46, furthercomprising an articulating joint connecting the display panel to thedisplay support member, and in which the articulating joint includes atorque joint that adjustably maintains an angular position of thedisplay panel relative to the display support member.
 51. The laptopcomputer of claim 46 in which: the rail assembly includes first andsecond rails spaced apart in parallel relation; and the display supportmember includes a first slot and a second slot spaced apart from thefirst slot, the first and second slots sized and positioned to receivethe first and second rails, respectively.
 52. The laptop computer ofclaim 51, further comprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanicallycouples movement of the display support member along the first rail tomovement of the display support member along the second rail, therebypreventing binding of the display support member and the rail assembly.53. The laptop computer of claim 46 in which: the rail assembly includesa first rail and a second rail, the first and second rails spaced apartin parallel relation and rigidly attached to the display support member;and the rail assembly further includes first and second slots spacedapart in parallel relation, the first and second slots sized andpositioned to receive the first and second rails, respectively.
 54. Thelaptop computer of claim 53, further comprising an anti-skew mechanismthat mechanically couples movement of the first rail within the firstslot to movement of the second rail within the second slot, therebypreventing binding of the display support member and the rail assembly.55. The laptop computer of claim 46 in which the display module includesan articulating joint that rotatably interconnects the top margin of thedisplay panel to the display support member.
 56. The laptop computer ofclaim 46 in which: the base unit includes a rear margin; and the displaymodule is rotatably connected to the base unit along the rear margin.57. The laptop computer of claim 46 in which the manual input deviceincludes a keypad.
 58. The laptop computer of claim 46 in which themanual input device includes a pen tablet.
 59. The laptop computer ofclaim 46 in which the manual input device includes a pointing device.60. The laptop computer of claim 46, further comprising a latchingdevice for releasably latching the display module to the base unit andpreventing movement of the display support member along the railassembly when the display module is closed.
 61. A laptop computerdisplay module, comprising: a rail assembly including a hinge endadapted to be rotatably mounted to a base unit of a laptop computer sothat the rail assembly extends outwardly from the base unit and so thatthe display module can be opened and closed by rotating the displaymodule about the hinge end, the display module rotatable to a closedposition in which the display module is folded against the base unit andan open position in which the display module extends from the base unit;a display support member attached to the rail assembly for movement awayfrom the hinge end of the rail assembly when the display module isopened; a computer display panel having top and bottom margins; and anarticulating joint connecting the computer display panel to the displaysupport member adjacent the top margin of the computer display panel sothat the bottom margin of the computer display panel can be manuallyswung away from the display support member and toward a user of thelaptop computer when the display module is mounted to the base unit andopened.
 62. The laptop computer display module of claim 61 in which thedisplay support member is movable away from the hinge end of the railassembly a distance sufficient to allow the computer display panel torotate about the articulating joint to a comfortable viewing angle whenthe display module is installed on a base unit, without interfering withmanual operation of a manual input device of the base unit, and tothereby allow a user to comfortably view the display panel whilemanually operating the manual input device in a depth-constrainedworkspace.
 63. The laptop computer display module of claim 62 in whichthe computer display panel is manually rotatable to the comfortableviewing angle without blocking the manual input device when the displaysupport member is rotated to a depth-reduction angle of greater than 30degrees and less than 120 degrees relative to the base unit.
 64. Thelaptop computer display module of claim 61 in which the comfortableviewing angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 150 degreesrelative to the base unit.
 65. The laptop computer display module ofclaim 61 in which: the base unit is bordered by a rear margin thatterminates in left and right ends; the rail assembly includes first andsecond elongate rails spaced apart and rotatably mountable to the baseunit proximal of the respective left and right ends of the rear margin;and the display support member includes a first slot and a second slotspaced apart from the first slot, the first and second slots sized toreceive the first and second rails, respectively.
 66. The laptopcomputer display module of claim 65, further comprising an anti-skewmechanism that mechanically couples movement of the display supportmember along the first rail to movement of the display support memberalong the second rail, thereby preventing binding of the display supportmember and the rail assembly.
 67. The laptop computer of claim 61 inwhich: the rail assembly includes a first rail and a second rail, thefirst and second rails spaced apart in parallel relation and rigidlyattached to the display support member; and the rail assembly furtherincludes first and second slots spaced apart in parallel relation, thefirst and second slots sized and positioned to receive the first andsecond rails, respectively.
 68. The laptop computer of claim 67, furthercomprising an anti-skew mechanism that mechanically couples movement ofthe first rail within the first slot to movement of the second railwithin the second slot, thereby preventing binding of the displaysupport member and the rail assembly.
 69. The laptop computer displaymodule of claim 66 in which the anti-skew mechanism includes a push rodextending through an elongate push rod sleeve, and one of the push rodand the push rod sleeve is attached to the display support member andthe other of the push rod and the push rod sleeve is attached to therespective first and second rails.
 70. The laptop computer displaymodule of claim 66 in which the anti-skew mechanism includes a set ofpulleys mounted to the display support member and a cable having firstand second ends, the first and second ends of the cable being attachedto the respective first and second rails, and the cable being tensionedover the pulleys.
 71. The laptop computer display module of claim 68 inwhich the anti-skew mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion mechanism. 72.The laptop computer display module of claim 61, further comprising alatching device for releasably latching the display module to the baseunit and preventing movement of the display support member along therail assembly when the display module is closed.